Have you ever noticed blood in your urine? This condition is called hematuria. It can happen for many reasons, and figuring out why is really important. Here’s some helpful information about what causes hematuria and how doctors can help.
What Causes Hematuria?
According to Dr. Rajat Arora, a urology expert at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, the very first step is to ask questions about your health history. Knowing if you’ve had any injuries, infections, or if you’re taking certain medications (like blood thinners) is important. Doctors also do a physical check-up to look for any signs of trouble.
How Do Doctors Find Out What’s Wrong?
Doctors use several tests to figure out why you have blood in your urine:
– Urine Analysis: This test looks for infections, crystals (which may mean kidney stones), or unusual cells.
– Blood Tests: These help check how well your kidneys are working.
– Imaging Tests: Methods like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs look for problems inside your body, like tumors or stones.
– Cystoscopy: Sometimes, doctors look directly inside your bladder using a special tool.
Factors like age, gender, smoking, and family history can also give clues about kidney issues.
Signs You Need to Pay Attention To
Dr. Anup Gulati, a urology director at Fortis, emphasizes that doctors will always start with your health history and a physical exam. By observing things like the amount of blood, timing, and whether there are any clots, doctors can gather information about what might be wrong.
Understanding Hematuria: Why You See Blood in Your Urine
Have you ever noticed blood in your urine? This condition is called hematuria. It can happen for many reasons, and figuring out why is really important. Here’s some helpful information about what causes hematuria and how doctors can help.
What Causes Hematuria?
According to Dr. Rajat Arora, a urology expert at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, the very first step is to ask questions about your health history. Knowing if you’ve had any injuries, infections, or if you’re taking certain medications (like blood thinners) is important. Doctors also do a physical check-up to look for any signs of trouble.
How Do Doctors Find Out What’s Wrong?
Doctors use several tests to figure out why you have blood in your urine:
– Urine Analysis: This test looks for infections, crystals (which may mean kidney stones), or unusual cells.
– Blood Tests: These help check how well your kidneys are working.
– Imaging Tests: Methods like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRIs look for problems inside your body, like tumors or stones.
– Cystoscopy: Sometimes, doctors look directly inside your bladder using a special tool.
Factors like age, gender, smoking, and family history can also give clues about kidney issues.
Signs You Need to Pay Attention To
Dr. Anup Gulati, a urology director at Fortis, emphasizes that doctors will always start with your health history and a physical exam. By observing things like the amount of blood, timing, and whether there are any clots, doctors can gather information about what might be wrong.
The first test after your exam is usually a urine analysis and culture, followed by imaging tests, with ultrasound being the first choice. In some cases, doctors may need to use a cystoscope to check for problems in the bladder or kidneys.
If they suspect there might be cancer, they may also do a urine cytology. If there’s a mass, they might need to take a biopsy.
A Final Note
Always remember that if you see blood in your urine, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional right away. Don’t ignore it!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor with any questions regarding your health.
The first test after your exam is usually a urine analysis and culture, followed by imaging tests, with ultrasound being the first choice. In some cases, doctors may need to use a cystoscope to check for problems in the bladder or kidneys.
If they suspect there might be cancer, they may also do a urine cytology. If there’s a mass, they might need to take a biopsy.
Always remember that if you see blood in your urine, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional right away. Don’t ignore it!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your doctor with any questions regarding your health.
